Nursing Elites

1. A parent tells the nurse in the emergency department, 'My 3-year-old has had a fever for several days and has been vomiting.' After instituting ordered measures to reduce the fever, what nursing action is most important?

• A. Preventing shivering
• B. Restricting oral fluids
• C. Measuring output hourly
• D. Taking vital signs hourly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Preventing shivering is crucial in this scenario as it can increase body temperature and counteract the effects of antipyretic measures aimed at reducing the fever. Shivering generates heat through muscle activity, which can elevate the body temperature. Restricting oral fluids (choice B) is inappropriate as maintaining hydration is vital, especially in cases of fever and vomiting. Measuring output hourly (choice C) and taking vital signs hourly (choice D) are important nursing actions but not the most critical in this case where preventing shivering takes precedence.

2. What definitive diagnostic procedure does the nurse expect to be used to confirm the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease in a 1-month-old infant?

• A. Colonoscopy
• B. Rectal biopsy
• C. Multiple saline enemas
• D. Fiberoptic nasoenteric tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rectal biopsy is the definitive diagnostic procedure for Hirschsprung disease in infants. This procedure reveals the absence of ganglion cells in the affected bowel segment, which is a hallmark of Hirschsprung disease. Colonoscopy (Choice A) is not typically used for diagnosing Hirschsprung disease due to the risk of not accurately reaching the affected segment. Multiple saline enemas (Choice C) are not used to confirm the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. Fiberoptic nasoenteric tube (Choice D) is not a standard diagnostic procedure for Hirschsprung disease and does not provide the necessary information to confirm the absence of ganglion cells in the affected bowel segment.

3. A child is being assessed by a nurse for suspected nephrotic syndrome. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Edema
• C. Hypertension
• D. Polyuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Edema is a hallmark clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, there is increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to protein loss in the urine (proteinuria). The decrease in serum protein levels results in a reduced oncotic pressure, leading to fluid shifting from the intravascular space into the interstitial spaces, causing edema. Jaundice (choice A) is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. Hypertension (choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions like nephritic syndrome. Polyuria (choice D) is excessive urination and is not a prominent feature of nephrotic syndrome.

4. The nurse is providing care to a child with a long-leg hip spica cast. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Risk for impaired skin integrity due to the cast and its location.
• B. Deficient knowledge related to cast care.
• C. Risk for delayed development related to immobility.
• D. Self-care deficit related to immobility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for impaired skin integrity due to the cast and its location. When a child has a long-leg hip spica cast, the priority nursing diagnosis is to prevent impaired skin integrity. This is because the child's mobility is restricted, and pressure from the cast can lead to skin breakdown. Option B is incorrect as while education is essential, it is not the priority when skin integrity is at risk. Option C is incorrect because while immobility can impact development, immediate skin integrity concerns take precedence. Option D is incorrect as self-care deficit, while important, is secondary to preventing skin breakdown in this scenario.

5. .A 7-month-old girl is to be catheterized to obtain a sterile urine specimen. One of the infant’s parents expresses fear that this procedure may traumatize the baby psychologically. How should the nurse provide reassurance?

• A. The fear is justified and the nurse should obtain a “clean catch” specimen.
• B. Parents have a right to refuse the catheterization and the concerns are realistic.
• C. Although the concern is appropriate, the need for a sterile specimen is the priority.
• D. The procedure is uncomfortable, but there should not be a damaging long-term effect.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While catheterization can be uncomfortable, it does not typically result in long-term psychological harm, and obtaining a sterile specimen is important for accurate diagnosis.

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